Crisis Intervention Specialist

The Crisis Intervention Specialist position will work in The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), which is responsible for the enforcement of laws, regulations, and ordinances for crimes committed on, to, or against facilities owned, controlled, or operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The Metro Transit Police Department has tristate jurisdiction and operates in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, the Metro Transit Police Department offers a rich benefit package to include health, dental, group life insurance, paid holidays, annual and sick leave, a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and a 401a Plan, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and free transportation on Metrobus and rail.

The Crisis Intervention Specialist role is a forward facing, community-based position. The preferred candidate(s) will have a clinical background and direct service experience associated with factors relating to mental health environments.

This position is on-site/in- person Monday-Friday.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma/GED

Experience

• A minimum three (3) years of work experience in a transportation environment, data collection or related field.

Certification/Licensure

• Possession of a valid District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia driver's license.

Preferred

• Associates Degree
• Prior supervisory experience in transit industry
• Data collection experience

Medical Group:

Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this class. Must be able to perform the essential functions of this job either with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

Mission Essential Designation:
In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

SUMMARY

The Crisis Intervention Specialist performs outreach to individuals experiencing mental health and/or housing insecurity issues and providing linkages to services provided by local organizations; serves as a liaison in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) between the Operations Division and other departments in WMATA as well as public and private community-based organizations that provide mental health, crisis intervention, and homeless and supportive housing services. The Specialist interacts and engages with Metro personnel, the public and other stakeholders to establish an official presence and prevent violence and disruptive behavior; deters and diffuses active acts of violence and vandalism through application of conflict-resolution skills. The incumbent performs a variety of duties requiring independent judgment in the day-to-day interactions with at-risk clients. The employee is responsible for outreach services and community-based crisis intervention services which includes direct client contact in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs outreach services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or housing insecurity issues by providing linkages to services provided by local organizations.
• Makes mental health assessments and provides non-clinical crisis counseling to the homeless community and individuals experiencing mental health related issues within the WMATA system.
• Coordinates with public safety agencies and other resources on crisis intervention, supportive counseling, linkage and referrals, as needed, to identify individuals in need of those resources residing on, near property, or using the service.
• Provides short-term case management services as appropriate and makes direct referrals to other community services.
• Serves as a liaison to the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), other departments within Metro and external public and private community-based organizations within the Metro service area that provide mental health, crisis intervention, and homeless and supportive housing services.
• Develops working relationships with law enforcement, other emergency response agencies, local psychiatric screening centers, local and public hospitals, courts, veteran's administration, as well as other relevant community providers.
• Engages and establishes relationships with the homeless community to provide supportive services in collaboration with behavioral health and social services organizations; advocates and collaborates with service providers to facilitate access to care with the goal of stabilization.
• Works with management to perform outreach within the community and participate in community-violence reduction efforts including informational presentations.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from Metro personnel, city and county agencies, merchants, community groups, and citizens to assist individuals found at-risk in places not meant for habitation.
• Assists in medical emergencies on Metro property by gathering information, providing logistical support, and/or providing first-aid as appropriate; summons medical response as necessary.
• Participates in and successfully completes all required training, such as conflict resolution, security awareness, etc.
• Provides various routine assistance to Metro personnel; operates various office equipment; gathers, maintains and retrieves records as directed; fills out forms and writes basic reports; enters data into appropriate computer database or application.
• Must be able to work various shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime and must respond to afterhours incidents and perform field activities.
• OTHER FUNCTIONS
• May be required to operate Metro non-revenue vehicles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.